Search

Micronutrients and their metabolites are cofactors in proteins involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was a subproject of the Harmonized Micronutrient Project (ClinTrials.gov # NCT01823744). Twenty participants were randomly selected from 136 children and adolescents that consumed a daily dose of 12 vitamins and 5 minerals supplementation for 6 weeks. The 20 individuals were divided into two pools of 10 individuals, according to their lipid profile at baseline (Pool 1 with lower triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL). The individuals were analyzed at baseline, after 6 weeks of daily supplementation, and after 6 weeks of a washout period in relation to anthropometric, body composition, food intake, lipid profile, micronutrient levels, and iTRAQ proteomic data. Genetic ancestry and its association with vitamin serum levels were also determined. After supplementation, LDL levels decreased while alpha‐tocopherol and pantothenic acid levels increased in pool 2; lipid profiles in pool 1 did not change but had higher plasma levels of pantothenic acid, pyridoxal, and pyridoxic acid. In pool 2, expression of some proteins increased, and expression of other ones decreased after intervention, while in pool 1, the same proteins responded inversely or did not change their levels. Plasma alpha‐tocopherol and Native American genetic ancestry explained a significant fraction of LDL plasma levels at baseline and in response to the intervention. After intervention, changes in expression of alpha‐1 antitrypsin, haptoglobin, Ig alpha‐1 chain C region, plasma protease C1 inhibitor, alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein 1, fibrinogen alpha, beta, and gamma‐chain in individuals in pool 2 may be associated with levels of LDL and vitamin E. Vitamin E and Native American genetic ancestry may also be implicated in changes of vitamin E and LDL levels. The results of this pilot study must be validated in future studies with larger sample size or in in vitro studies., Changes in expression of alpha‐1 antitrypsin, haptoglobin, Ig alpha‐1 chain C region, plasma protease C1 inhibitor, alpha‐1‐acid glycoprotein 1, fibrinogen alpha, beta and gamma chain in response to a micronutrient intervention may be associated with levels of LDL and vitamin E in children and adolescents. Baseline vitamin E levels and Native American genetic ancestry may also be implicated in changes of vitamin E and LDL levels.

Fatty acids play a significant role in maintaining cellular and DNA protection and we previously found an inverse relationship between blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DNA damage. The aim of this study was to explore differences in proteomic profiles, for 117 pro-inflammatory proteins, in two previously defined groups of individuals with different DNA damage and EPA and DHA levels. Healthy children and adolescents (n = 140) aged 9 to 13 years old in an urban area of Brazil were divided by k-means cluster test into two clusters of DNA damage (tail intensity) using the comet assay (cluster 1 = 5.9% ± 1.2 and cluster 2 = 13.8% ± 3.1) in our previous study. The cluster with higher DNA damage and lower levels of DHA (6.2 ± 1.6 mg/dL, 5.4 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p = 0.003) and EPA (0.6 ± 0.2 mg/dL, 0.5 ± 0.1 mg/dL, p &lt, 0.001) presented increased expression of the proteins CDK8–CCNC, PIK3CA–PIK3R1, KYNU, and PRKCB, which are involved in pro-inflammatory pathways. Our findings support the hypothesis that low levels of n-3 long-chain PUFA may have a less protective role against DNA damage through expression of pro-inflammatory proteins, such as CDK8–CCNC, PIK3CA–PIK3R1, KYNU, and PRKCB.

Certain B-vitamins and vitamin A may be involved in inflammatory pathways associated with homocysteine and omega-3 fatty acids. The aims of this study were (i) to determine whether different metabolic profiles of B-vitamins and vitamin A in Brazilian children and adolescents were positively or negatively related to homocysteine and omega-3 fatty acids using k-means clustering analysis, (ii) compare nutrient intakes and metabolites between the different metabolic profiles, (iii) evaluate if the statistically significant metabolites found between the metabolic groups, can predict the variation of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) levels, a biomarker of low-grade inflammation, in the total studied population. This cross-sectional study included 124 children and adolescents, aged 9-13 y old. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall. Biomarkers for vitamins B2, B6, B12, folate and vitamin A were measured in plasma. Omega-3 fatty acids and homocysteine were measured in red blood cells (RBC). Two different metabolic profiles were found. Thirty of these individuals had overall average higher riboflavin, pyridoxal, and vitamin B12 plasma levels (metabolic group 1) compared to 94 individuals (group 2). Group 2 had lower dietary intake of vitamin B2, vitamin A, and vitamin B12 and higher RBC levels of homocysteine. EPA and DHA erythrocyte levels were not different between metabolic groups. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that blood cobalamin, riboflavin, pyridoxal and homocysteine combined, explained 9.0% of LTA4H levels variation in the total studied population. The metabolic group that had low plasma levels of riboflavin, pyridoxal, and cobalamin also had a lower dietary intake of B-vitamin and higher RBC homocysteine. The combined levels of the riboflavin, pyridoxal, cobalamin and homocysteine biomarkers can predict the variation of LTA4H in the total population studied, but it is not clear how this regulation occurs.

This study evaluated the validity of nutrient and food group intakes estimated by an FFQ against biomarkers. A 71-item semiquantitative FFQ was administered to 210 Brazilian children and adolescents aged 9–13 years. Intakes were correlated with biomarkers in plasma and red blood cells. Correlations between nutrients and their biomarkers were presented for animal protein, myristic acid (C14:0), EPA, DHA, β-carotene, folate, and vitamins B3, B5 and B6. Food groups and biomarkers were correlated as follows: fish products with EPA and DHA; milk and dairy with C14:0, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate and vitamin B12; total vegetables and dark green and orange vegetables with β-carotene; 5-methyltetrahydrofolate with green vegetables; and flour products with para-aminobenzoylglutamic acid. This FFQ is a valid tool for ranking Brazilian children and adolescents according to their intake of several nutrients and food groups.

Objectives: to evaluate changes in dietary patterns, after the social isolation decree, of Brazilians living in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: an online questionnaire self-filled was applied in 2020, with questions about socioeconomic and demographic issues, food consumption, and perception before and after the quarantine decree. Were included people 18 years or more, residents in Sao Paulo, who answered the questionnaire. Confidence intervals of proportions were estimated. Associations were initially investigated through Chi-square or exact Fisher test, and those with a P-value below 0.2 were further investigated through logistic regression or multinomial logistic regression. Associations with a P-value below 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 174 people participated in the research. It was observed two different patterns, people who decreased or increased the consumption of candies, soda, industrialized juice, fried food, industrialized snacks, instant noodles, stuffed cookie, fruits, vegetables, and alcohol. When the socioeconomic level raised, the consumption of fried food increased; as the age raised, the consumption of vegetables decreased, and as the age and the income decreased, there was a rise in physical activity level, and higher educational level was associated with higher consumption of sausages, as revealed by the multinomial logistic regression. Conclusions: the social isolation after the quarantine decree led the participants to change their food routine, which can lead to health consequences long-term.

Vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate are essential for methylation reactions and possibly influence the transport of polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and red blood cells (RBC). Associations between B-vitamin biomarkers and fatty acid (FA) profile were analyzed in Brazilian children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 249 children and adolescents, aged 9&ndash, 13 years old. Dietary intake was assessed by the food frequency questionnaire and the healthy eating index (HEI). Biomarkers for vitamins B2, B6, B12, and folate were measured in plasma. The FA profile and the metabolites of one-carbon metabolism were measured in RBC. Associations were tested with multiple linear regression models. An increase of 1 nmol/L in vitamin B2 was associated with an increase of 0.19 mg/dL of EPA, 0.20 mg/dL of ARA, and 0.25 mg/dL of DHA in RBC. An increase of 1 ng/mL in plasma folate was associated with an increase of 0.14 mg/dL of EPA, 0.22 mg/dL of ARA, and 0.21 mg/dL of DHA in RBC. These findings highlight the importance of an adequate intake of vitamin B2 and folate in childhood, since they may improve the FA profile in RBCs and may help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Bioelectrical impedance can be interpreted by vector analysis using direct measures of the impedance vector; thus, collecting information about resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PA) makes it possible to classify an individual's nutritional status. The aim of this study was to investigate these values and construct bioelectrical references for healthy Brazilian adolescents.This is a cross-sectional study that included 567 healthy adolescents, aged 10 to 18 years. The bioelectrical impedance was performed to collect data for R and Xc. In addition, weight and height were also collected. The PA was calculated, and thereby the tolerance and confidence ellipses were constructed using specific software.For boys the mean vectors of 11 and 12 years, 12 and 13 years, 13 and 14 years, and 15 and 16 years were different from each other (p0.05). For girls the only mean vectors with significant differences were 11 and 12 years (p = 0.0071). The results differ from those in the literature, possibly due to ethnic differences in body composition.The present study provides an important tool for monitoring the nutritional status of adolescents of different ages, without previous knowledge of some anthropometric measures such as body weight.

Scope Micronutrients are in small amounts in foods, act in concert, and require variable amounts of time to see changes in health and risk for disease. These first principles are incorporated into an intervention study designed to develop new experimental strategies for setting target recommendations for food bioactives for populations and individuals. Methods and results A 6-week multivitamin/mineral intervention is conducted in 9-13 year olds. Participants (136) are (i) their own control (n-of-1); (ii) monitored for compliance; (iii) measured for 36 circulating vitamin forms, 30 clinical, anthropometric, and food intake parameters at baseline, post intervention, and following a 6-week washout; and (iv) had their ancestry accounted for as modifier of vitamin baseline or response. The same intervention is repeated the following year (135 participants). Most vitamins respond positively and many clinical parameters change in directions consistent with improved metabolic health to the intervention. Baseline levels of any metabolite predict its own response to the intervention. Elastic net penalized regression models are identified, and significantly predict response to intervention on the basis of multiple vitamin/clinical baseline measures. Conclusions The study design, computational methods, and results are a step toward developing recommendations for optimizing vitamin levels and health parameters for individuals.

Background & Aims: Considering that obese adolescents present alterations in the quantity of body water, fat and lean body mass, specific formulae need to be adjusted through a reference method. This study aimed to describe and compare the body composition data obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the deuterium oxide dilution method (DODM). To identify possible correlations and agreement between these two techniques and adjust linear regression models for the prediction of DODM values on the basis of BIA results. Methods: Anthropometric measurements were accomplished for obese adolescents, and their body composition was assessed by the BIA and DODM techniques. Results: Compared to the DODM technique, BIA overestimated the fat-free mass (FFM) and the total body water (TBW) and underestimated the fat mass (FM). There was a significant positive correlation but no agreement between the FFM (kg), FM (kg), and TBW (L) data achieved via DODM and BIA. The application of linear regression model adjustments to the values measured by BIA enabled prediction of the DODM values for body composition in obese adolescents. Conclusion: These formulas have been demonstrated to improve the agreement between the two methods, so a more accurate tool that is closer to the DODM reference technique has been made available for use in clinical practice.

Methanol is an alcohol which is metabolized to folmaldehyde in humans. It is a very toxic substance, responsible for blindness in cases of methanol intoxication. This study shows the production of methanol when aspartame is used to sweeten coffee brew. The temperature versus pH binomium was also tested. When assayed at 90 °C coffee brew+aspartame and aspartame solution showed an increase in methanol release of 17.8 and 19.3%, respectively, as compared with coffee brew. At 180 °C, the increase was 32.5 and 26.3%, respectively. Our data revealed a protective effect of the pH of coffee on the degradation of aspartame and formation of methanol; an important fact, mainly for specific populations that use aspartame, like diabetics.

The Brazilian Healthy Eating Index-Revised (BHEI-R) can be used to determine overall dietary patterns. We assessed the BHEI-R scores in children and adolescents, aged from 9 to 13 years old, and associated its component scores with biomarkers of health and dietary exposure. Three 24-h recalls were used to generate BHEI-R. Biomarkers were analyzed in plasma and red blood cells. Correlation tests, agreement, and covariance analyses were used to associate BHEI-R components with biomarkers. Data from 167 subjects were used. The strongest correlations were between fruits, vegetables and legumes with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and β-carotene intakes. Milk and dairy correlated with plasma retinol and pyridoxine. All components rich in vegetable and animal protein sources correlated with plasma creatine. Total BHEI-R scores were positively associated with intakes of omega-6, omega-3, fiber and vitamin C, and inversely associated with energy and saturated fat intakes of individuals. Plasma β-carotene and riboflavin biomarkers were positively associated with total BHEI-R. An inadequate food consumption pattern was captured by both biomarkers of health and dietary exposure. BHEI-R was validated for the above dietary components and can be associated with metabolomics and nutritional epidemiological data in future pediatric studies.

Cascades of metabolic changes leading to acetone production are induced in states of energy catabolism such as starvation or the use of a ketogenic diet. The reduced capacity for cell detoxification or the increased generation of free radicals is responsible for the toxic effect of acetone. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of acute treatment (AT) with acetone on the oxidative and metabolic status of rats. The AT group (n=16) was treated by gavage with a single administration of 7.0 g acetone/kg body weight at a concentration of 25% (m/v). Eight rats were euthanized 6 h later (AT6) and eight 24 h later (AT24). Acetone levels were determined in blood and urine and oxidative parameters were analyzed by determining thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS, indicators of lipid peroxidation) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin E as antioxidant parameters. Serum glucose, blood cholesterol and triglycerieds and hepatic fat were also determined. The results indicated a significant difference in the hepatic oxidative parameters, serum glucose and in plasma triglycerides between the groups. Thus, we conclude that the administration of acute acetone doses can promote changes in some biochemical parameters and in the hepatic oxidative profile.

Acetone is considered to be a substance that can disturb cellular oxidative status, being also associated with the production of glucose during its metabolization. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of chronic treatment with acetone in oxidative stress and metabolic parameters in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (CG) and chronic acetone group (CAG). After 28 days of acetone ingestion in a 5% aqueous solution (CAG) or water (CG) the animals were euthanized and urine, plasma and liver were collected for the determination of acetone, glucose, lipemia, hepatic fat, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and vitamin E. As expected, urinary and plasma acetone levels were higher in CAG. There was no difference in hepatic MDA values between groups, whereas hepatic GSH was lower in CAG than in CG and hepatic vitamin E was higher in CAG than in CG. There was also an increase in glycemia, cholesterolemia and hepatic fat in CAG compared to CG. Chronic treatment with a 5% acetone solution produced an increase in acetonemia that was able to promote changes in hepatic oxidative metabolism and in lipid content in rats similar to those observed in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Background/Purpose: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically from atherosclerosis, is one of major cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE. Given their lifelong exposure to atherogenic risk factors, children and adolescents with SLE are at particularly high risk of developing premature atherosclerosis and are therefore ideal candidates for primary prevention. Nutritional and metabolic status and inflammatory biomarkers have been consistently associated with the presence of CVD in multiple studies from different populations. The aim of our study was to evaluate nutritional status, homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, lipoproteins, TNF-alfa, highsensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and food intake in pediatric SLE patients and in healthy controls. Methods: Nineteen girls with SLE (group 1) and thirty-nine healthy girls (group 2) with the same age range were included in the study. SLE activity was assessed using SLEDAI. Clinical and nutritional evaluation including weight, height, waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) was performed. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, TNF-alfa, and hs-CRP concentrations were analyzed by chemiluminescent technique, lipoproteins were measured using colorimetric method and cholesterol by enzymatic standard method. Food intake was assessed using a 24 hour-recall questionnaire validated for our population and analyzed using the software DietWin version 1997–2002. Results: The average age of SLE patients and controls was 15.5 and 14.6, varying from 12 to 18 and 10 to 18 y, respectively. There were no significant differences regarding age (p = 0,117), pubertal stage (breast p = 0,158 and pubis p = 0,578) and nutritional status (p = 0,107) between groups. The majority of SLE patients (16/19) had active disease and have been receiving prednisone for a mean period of 5 years. Body mass index, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (SBP) values were statistically higher in SLE group when compared to healthy girls: 24.6 × 20.9 kg/m2, p = 0.003; 79.7 × 72.6 cm, p = 0.004 and 107.5 × 101.7 mmHG, p = 0.044, respectively, but height was statistically lower (1.55 × 1.61 m, p = 0.012). Homocysteine, vitamin B12, TNF-α and hs-CRP levels were higher in SLE subjects when compared to healthy controls: 8.6 × 7.3 mmol/L, p = 0.023; 616.9 × 444.0 pmol/L, p = 0.008; 8.7 × 7.1 pg/ml, p = 0.022; 4.4 × 0.8 mg/L, p = 0.002, respectively. Plasma folate and HDL-cholesterol were lower in SLE patients compared to controls: 12.2 × 14.0 ng/ml, p = .022 and 37.6 × 44.1 mg/dL, p = 0.008, respectively). There were no significant differences in energy, macronutrients, vitamin B12, folate and pyridoxine intake between groups. Conclusion: Increased risk factors to cardiovascular disease such as high BMI, WC, SBP, homocysteine, TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein, in addition to low folate and HDL levels, were found in this group of SLE patients when compared to healthy controls, and food intake was comparable in both groups. Our results may signalize future cardiovascular complications in SLE pediatric patients and possible associations between nutritional status and risk factors. This study is sponsored by FAPESP (number 2011/16141-7).